With Halloween right around the corner, I decided to compile a list of my favorite classic horror films. I’m in no means a horror film buff or someone who particularly enjoys scary movies, however, if I do watch them and I like them, they almost always have a tendency of being older films. I guess the monsters and special effects from back in the day don’t scare me enough to be afraid of every room I enter or have nightmares for weeks on end. If you have never seen a classic film, then I implore you to start, because watching the old stuff is cool and you’d be surprised with how great they can be. Filmmaking has a come a long way and it’s because of what came before. So, without further ado, I present to you a list of my favorite old school horror flicks… enjoy!

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

Dr. Caligari is a hypnotist who uses Cesare, a somnambulist, to commit murders around town. It is one of the first silent films I ever saw and a prime example of German expressionism. I highly recommend viewing if you’re looking for gothic horror as the film is notable for its dark visual style.

Freaks (1932)

Freaks tells the story of a traveling circus that finds itself in the middle of a sinister plot. The film features a cast of actual performers from the circus who each have their own deformities, which lend to the film’s shock factor. This film will not be for everybody, but it does have significant cultural importance and imparts a moral lesson for the viewer to not judge a person based on their appearance.

Frankenstein (1931)

We all know the story of Frankenstein’s monster and if you don’t, go pick up Mary Shelley’s book and educate yourself! Boris Karloff is Frankenstein’s monster and this film is one of the most iconic horror films in cinematic history. Jack Pierce is responsible for creating the make-up worn by Karloff, which has since transcended time to become the most recognizable of classic monster movie make-ups.

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

This is a sequel to the 1931 Frankenstein which continues the story of the infamous Doctor and his Monster. With the insistence of Dr. Pretorius and the Monster, Frankenstein must create a counterpart for his rejected monster. Elsa Lanchester stars as the monster bride with her iconic hairstyle and make-up that I love so much. The film is great and is often considered better than its predecessor.

Nosferatu (1922)

Basically, Dracula. Nosferatu is in fact an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and another example of German expressionist cinema. The film tells the story of Count Orlok who requires a new residence and the blood of living humans. It’s a classic horror film renowned for it’s artistry and features probably the creepiest looking monster on this list.

At the beginning of 2018 I found myself falling in love with Star Wars enamel pins and the Pinstagram culture. I loved and still love finding pins that can’t be found at the Disney Parks. When I started buying pins it sort of reignited my love of collecting Star Wars, something I took a break from the last couple of years. Since 2015 and the release of The Force Awakens I’ve been cautious of what I buy and for a long time refrained from purchasing unnecessary collectibles. It was partly a money thing but also I just lost interest in buying stuff and then placing it on my shelf to never pay attention to it again.

However, the last couple of months I have slowly begun to appreciate my Star Wars collection again and in fact have added more to it! I’ve decided to start documenting what I collect and how I display it. In July the hashtag #WomenCollectToo made the rounds after an article was posted about how women don’t collect. I implore everyone to go view that hashtag on Twitter and see all the amazing collections from women across all fandoms. The shelfies (shelf collections) are so creative and inspired me to rearrange my own collection. My only problem right now is that I don’t have a lot of space in my room or my bookshelf, so unfortunately I have to try and make do with all the stuff that I have. Sometimes it just has to go in a bin until I have the space for it in the future.

Here is what I have collected and what I have done with my collection thus far in 2018:

Pins galore! For a while there my pins were just sitting on a table because I had nowhere else to put them. Since I like to rotate the pins I wear on my jean jacket, I decided I needed something that could display my pins that wasn’t difficult for me to remove the pins when I needed them (I’m looking at you cork boards). So, I made a linen banner! It’s not only the best option for displaying pins but it is also a very pretty wall decoration.

I began collecting action figures very soon after I fell in love with Star Wars. And I guess because I was young and only really saw collections that had action figures in boxes, I made the choice to not open my figures and oh, how I regret it. In June I finally said “screw it” and opened all of them. It took me a while to find the perfect display stands, but I took a risk and ordered them from amazon and they were perfect! I decided to only display my female action figures because I love them more, sorry not sorry. The only male figure on display is old hermit Luke because I have a soft spot for him and I wanted him next to General Leia because “no one’s every really gone.”

Fan art is the best. I’ve always admired it from afar but now I want to either wear it or hang it all over my walls. Some of what I have collected has found a place on my shelves, but I still need to buy frames for most of what I have bought. It’s going to take some time to figure out where everything goes, but I love everything I have acquired so far.

Since I buy things quite frequently I have decided to make this a monthly feature to show you things I have collected and/or how I have displayed what I collect. Stay tuned for more and may the force be with you!

If you’re interested in viewing what I collect on a weekly basis, follow me on Instagram @jedilore!

I found Star Wars one year after Revenge of the Sith came out and I spent a lot of time wishing I had discovered it sooner. Even though I was only 11 years old, I felt like I had missed out on so much, especially since there was no more Star Wars to look forward to. When I heard about The Clone Wars movie, I remember being really excited about getting to watch a Star Wars film in the theater. This was my chance. I was going to watch a Star Wars movie with other people in the theater and it was going to be just like the end of that Episode I documentary when Rick McCallum is hyping up the crowd and everyone has their lightsabers out and the entire audience is screaming at the sight of the Lucasfilm logo… yup, it was going to be just like that.

In 2008, when I was 13, I had only recently become a proud Star Wars fan. I spent a lot of the first few years being embarrassed by liking Star Wars. It wasn’t cool at the time and my family and classmates thought it was for boys. So, when The Clone Wars came out it was a breath of fresh air and it felt like there was something to be excited about in the Star Wars fandom again and this time I was going to be apart of it, at least, that’s what I thought.

When I discovered the character of Ahsoka Tano, I remember being so disappointed. My only reason being was that I had written fan fiction (I didn’t even know it was called fan fiction at the time) about a girl who went on missions with Obi-Wan and Anakin and who had been a favorite of Master Yoda’s. I know, right? Anyways, I loved that character so much and often wished I could escape into the Star Wars universe and be her. As you can imagine, when I found out who Ahsoka Tano was, I felt a rush of anger and disappointment and jealousy. I never went to go watch the film at the theater and even though I did eventually watch the show on Cartoon Network, I became ambivalent about the whole thing. I thought Ahsoka was annoying and immature. She was around my age and nothing like the character I created in my head.

It wasn’t until season 3 that I started liking The Clone Wars. I don’t know if it was the show itself or having gone to Star Wars Weekends and Star Wars Celebration V that really changed my mind, but it was definitely around that time when I realized this is the Star Wars that’s part of my generation and the Star Wars that I’m growing up with. I felt like I had to be proud of that and also… the show just got better as it progressed.

As time passed, I realized that Ahsoka was changing and growing up, just like I was. I can’t really pinpoint what episode or moment made me start liking Ahsoka, but I can tell you that watching her walk away from Anakin and the Jedi Order made me an emotional wreck. It was in that moment that I realized Ahsoka had grown on me and I cared about her journey. I remember watching it in my living room alone and regretting how much I hated her at first, but I had to grow up to realize that she actually meant something to me. I felt a connection to her and have loved her ever since.

It’s been 10 years since The Clone Wars premiered and thinking back on the show and my relationship with it has made me incredibly nostalgic. It takes me back to the early days of my fandom, when I was just starting out and going to Star Wars Weekends to see all the voice actors. It reminds of my first Star Wars Celebration and the beginnings of Her Universe. I love the sequel trilogy, I love what Disney has given us, but sometimes when I think about those days when all we had to look forward to was a new Clones Wars season and a Robot chicken special, it makes me smile and miss it in a weird way.

If you don’t know by now, there will be new Clone Wars episodes from Lucasfilm and Disney in the future. It was announced at San Diego Comic Con and pretty much blew everyone’s mind, mine included. I wasn’t expecting it, I didn’t even think it would be possible, but someone at Lucasfilm is paying attention and I am grateful.

The episodes will be released through Disney’s streaming app and there will be 12 in total. I am so happy about this and I am happy for Dave Filoni who finally gets to complete his first show in the way he always wanted to. It feels like Star Wars really is Christmas now and it just keeps giving us gifts every year, whether it’s in the form of a TV show, film, book, or comic. I truly have never been more proud to be a Star Wars fan. After all, once you’re a fan, you’re in this life for good.

I’m so happy we’re finally getting the closure we never had. No one will ever spoil my love for the galaxy far, far away. 💜 #CloneWarsSaved

At first I was excited because we finally got a Celebration announcement after more than a year and I immediately started jumping around the house and thinking about all the possibilities. Then I realized… it’s Chicago.

I’m going to be honest with you, I wanted it to be in Anaheim. I know Anaheim was the popular choice among fans, but I personally just wanted an excuse to go to Los Angeles and visit Disneyland for the first time. I have nothing against Chicago and to be quite frank, I’m happy for Star Wars fans in the midwest who don’t have to travel to either coasts. The past week I’ve been thinking very hard about the pros and cons of attending Celebration in 2019. I love Star Wars Celebration. I have attended all three in Orlando, FL and I hate missing out on the Celebrations that I can’t attend. Watching at home is simply not the same.

When it comes to Celebration Chicago, I can afford it, however, is it worth going in the first place? I’ve been to Chicago before and have made a list of places I would like to visit around the city, but in regards to Celebration, what would I actually be able to experience that would be worth my time and money? I ask this because last year was the first time I was unable to get into any of the big panels. It was truly disappointing. Granted, I refused to wait in line for more than 5 hours because I have officially moved on from that life. In 2010, I waited 14 hours in line to see George Lucas, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher take the stage for The Main Event panel during Celebration V. I’ll never forget that experience and seeing them on stage, but these days I pay for my own hotel and I don’t want to sleep on concrete. Trust me, I don’t expect to be handed a wristband for waiting in line for 5 minutes, I do however, expect to be treated fairly. Last year my boyfriend and I woke up at 3am because if I was getting into any panel, it was going to be Mark Hamill’s tribute to Carrie Fisher. When we finally got inside the convention center, it was a mess. People started running, shoving, and skipping in line and believe it or not, I literally watched the last few wristbands for the main stage be given away to three people in front of me. I honestly couldn’t believe it and we ended up going back to the hotel and took a nap of disappointment.

I don’t want to spend all this money going to Chicago to just walk aimlessly around the exhibit hall. While I love walking around and hearing John Williams on loop, it just doesn’t seem worth. It’s money I could use to actually take a trip to Los Angeles and Disneyland. It’s money I could use to go to Japan (a dream vacation). The problem is I have until June 5th to make a decision because that’s when the badges and hotel discounts go on sale. The other day I was thinking about how I have never experienced a sequel trilogy panel and that is something I really, really want to do. I want to be in the room and watch that teaser and hear the crowd roar. It’s definitely on the list of pros for going to Chicago, in addition to meeting my favorite podcasters and getting a photo op with Mark Hamill. Sigh, there is so much to think about!

In other news, Solo: A Star Wars Story comes out in just a couple of days! I will not be seeing it until Saturday. I KNOW. I’m making a huge sacrifice because my boyfriend works super long hours on both Thursday and Friday. I can’t wait to watch the movie because I’ve heard so many good things and I’m tired of seeing websites try and spoil the film. Seriously, can you not wait until Friday people?!

Anyways, are you attending Star Wars Celebration next year? Let me know in the comments!

If you don’t know by now, I watch a lot of television. A couple of years ago I went through a phase where I was only watching British comedies and period dramas. I became a bit of an anglophile and learned to love and appreciate the TV industry in the UK. Today I wanted to list some of my favorite British comedies in hopes of introducing you to a show that you may have heard of but haven’t checked out yet!

Without further ado and in no particular order, these are my five favorite British comedies…

1. Spaced (1999-2001)

Alright, I’m going to be honest with you. I know I said in no particular order, however, Spaced might be one of my favorite shows of all time, so it was the first one I wrote down. It’s only two seasons (or series as they say in the UK) and it features a young Simon Pegg and Nick Frost who you may recognize from the Cornetto Trilogy and stars Jessica Hynes who is absolutely amazing and hilarious in her role as Daisy. Also, every episode is directed by Edgar Wright who is well known for the Cornetto Trilogy, Scott Pilgrim, and Baby Driver. The show is about Tim and Daisy who find themselves living together and getting through life while being surrounded by the quirkiest group of people. The show has some great nerdy references too, including Star Wars, so it’s definitely my jam.

2. The Thick of It (2005-2012)

All hail Malcolm Tucker! The Thick of It was created by Armando Iannucci who is also responsible for HBO’s Veep (a favorite of mine). This show is the British equivalent to Veep and it’s just as hilarious and amazing. I didn’t think I’d care for a British comedy about government but the show is pure satire and the characters and jokes are what make it so GREAT. Peter Capaldi stars as Malcolm Tucker who is the Director of Communications for the government and is a crazy, vulgar man who is feared by all. It’s a really fantastic show that may teach you a few things about modern British government or how to tell someone off using the most perfect of British insults.

3. The Office (2001-2003)

Classic. If you are a fan of the US version of The Office then at one point in your life you have been told to check out the original UK version of The Office created by Ricky Gervais. I’ll admit it took me a few episodes to get into but once I fell in love with the characters I couldn’t stop watching and binged the entire show in one night.

4. The Mighty Boosh (2004-2007)

THE MIGHTY BOOSH. This show is weird and surreal and comical. I had seen sketches from The Mighty Boosh on YouTube but had never seen the show until I watched it on a streaming service. The show features Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt as Vince Noir and Howard Moon respectively, two failing musicians trying to pursue fame. I will say it’s not for everyone. If you are into sketch comedies like Portlandia or The Kids in the Hall, or maybe if you’re into talking Gorillas, this might be your thing.

5. Black Books (2000-2004)

Black Books is another really great series that is often considered a sister show to Spaced. It’s about Bernard Black who runs a little book shop and hates all of his customers. Bernard is accompanied by his shop assistant Manny and his friend Fran who try and get Bernard to be more social. There are several actors from Spaced who make appearances throughout the show’s run, which is pretty cool. I will say Black Books does have a laugh track and it can be bothersome at times, but I’ve learned to accept laugh tracks from older shows because they’re still funny and great at the end of the day.